The School of Architecture (SOA), as part of a Catholic university in the Jesuit and Mercy traditions, exists to provide an excellent student-centered, accredited professional architectural education in an urban context. A UDM SOA education seeks to develop architects who are sensitive designers; technically competent; exhibit the highest ethical and professional standards; are socially responsible and culturally aware; and are of service to the community and the profession.

The School makes a strong commitment to a broad based liberal arts education that prepares architects to understand the spectrum of human endeavor. The School intentionally keeps its enrollment small in order to maintain an identifiable relationship with individual students. The SOA advocates an open dialogue about architectural issues and philosophies, but searches for deeper architectural meaning than that offered by trend, fad or style. The curriculum provides a basic foundation in design excellence, but also addresses contemporary issues including a focus on urban revitalization. This foundation is provided through both in-class and out-of-class experiences that develop a student’s understanding of societal concerns. The School is actively involved in the life of the community. Through its design studios, including design-build studios, and through the Detroit Collaborative Design Center—an out-reach arm of the School—the SOA provides assistance to the community of which it is a part. The ability to gain real world understanding is further enhanced through the mandatory cooperative education program and through the optional international studies programs.

Degree

The five-year Master of Architecture degree program at the UDM School of Architecture is a professional degree accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).

“In the United States, most registration boards require a degree from an accredited professional degree program as a prerequisite for licensure. The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), which is the sole agency authorized to accredit U.S. professional degree programs in architecture, recognizes three types of degrees: the Bachelor of Architecture, the Master of Architecture and the Doctor of Architecture. A program may be granted a 6 year, 3 year, or 2 year term of accreditation, depending on the extent of its conformance with established educational standards. Master’s degree programs may consist of a pre-professional undergraduate degree and a professional graduate degree, that, when earned sequentially, constitute an accredited professional education. However, the pre-professional degree is not, by itself, recognized as an accredited degree” (NAAB)

The pre-professional degree, Bachelor of Science in Architecture, is not accredited by the NAAB.

This degree is useful for those individuals wishing to obtain a foundation in the field of architecture, as preparation for either continued education in a professional degree program or for employment options in architecturally related areas. We offer the non-accredited Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree to students who have successfully completed the first four years of study, including Co-op, but do not wish to pursue the Master of Architecture degree or were not accepted into the Fifth year -the Master of Architecture degree program.

Admissions Requirements

Admission Criteria The School of Architecture limits its freshman enrollment based on competitive standards. Students must satisfy general University requirements; however, additional criteria such as evidence of creative behavior, self-motivating characteristics, problem-solving tendencies, and abilities for visual expression are also considered.

In Term I of the students’ fourth year, they apply to the Master of Architecture program. Criteria for acceptance include a minimum of a 3.00 GPA in all coursework and a minimum Design studio GPA of 3.00 along with a substantive portfolio of their Design Studio work. All three components are considered equally in the decision making process for admission. Their portfolio must demonstrate their ability and potential for success in all aspects of graduate design and studies. If they are not accepted into the Master of Architecture program or if they choose to not apply to the Master of Architecture program, they can earn a non-accredited, non-professional Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree upon successful completion of the four year requirements. Students that are accepted and complete the professional, accredited, Master of Architecture degree are awarded only the Master of Architecture degree.

The admission requirement for transfer students, including students who already possess a degree, is a minimum GPA of 3.0. Transfer students from an architectural program should also have at least a 3.0 GPA in all design studio courses. If available, a portfolio of architectural or artistic work is also desirable if the student is close to but under the required 3.0 GPA. Transfer students and students with degrees must meet all requirements for our four year Bachelor of Science in Architecture program, including Co-op, prior to applying for admission into the fifth year Master of Architecture program.

Advising

The School uses a tiered advisory approach. Freshmen are advised by the associate dean and sophomores are advised by the dean. In the third year, they are assigned to one of the architecture advising professors to act as a “mentoring advisor” until the completion of their degree program. The student and advisor each have access to the student’s academic file which outlines the curriculum and all background information regarding the student. It is the student’s responsibility to insure that his/ her record is up to date, that all agreements are noted, and signed by both parties involved, and that there is conformance with the requirements of the School and University. Each student should see his/her advisor minimally for registration and at mid-term. The advisor is also available at other times during the course of the term at the request of the student. Additionally, students should meet with the associate dean at the beginning of their first term of their fourth year and upon their acceptance into the Master of Architecture program (or one year prior to their anticipated date of graduation with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree) to review a degree audit to verify that all degree requirements will be met. It is the student's responsibility to initiate this meeting with the associate dean for an audit.

Program Requirements

The five-year curriculum in architecture is centered around the following areas:

Design

Visual Communications

Structures and Technology

History & Theory

Professional Practice

University Core Curriculum

Cooperative Education

Design is at the center of the curriculum spanning all five years of study. The Design Studios are organized into three parts: Foundation Studios (first year and second year), Upper Level Studios (third year and fourth year) and the Master’s Studios (fifth year). Foundation Studios meet three afternoons a week for a total of 12 hours/ week and concentrate on developing basic technical, analytic, representational and critical thinking skills necessary to deal with the complex social, psychological and poetic issues of the built environment. The studios are “project” based and the development of the student’s personal and individual philosophy of design is one of the School’s primary aims. Upper Level Studios meet three times/week for a total of 14 hours/week and are comprised of a “mix” of students from both third and fourth years together in investigations of complex architectural themes in more concentrated depth. Recent Upper Level Studios have included community design, design of health care facilities, design-build experiences, architectural competitions, historical preservation, sustainability, furniture making and landscape design.

Visual Communications includes courses in multi-media drawing, computer graphics, computer aided design, three dimensional design and electives that explore various media. The ability to represent and model architectural ideas is fundamental to the design process.

Structures and Technology provides the technological background necessary to address the increasingly complex architectural themes of the studios. Included in this sequence are math, structures, energy and ecological design, and environmental technology (heating, ventilating, air conditioning, electrical systems, acoustics, etc.) courses.

History and Theory introduces the student to architectural tradition and precedent. It provides an understanding of the social, political, economic and philosophical forces that shape architecture. Through this foundation, students recognize their place in the architectural world and build their own work upon an understanding of the work of others.

Professional Practice introduces upper level students to fundamentals of managing an architectural office, project delivery systems, construction contracts, construction documents, and legal and ethical issues concerning the profession. These courses, in concert with the cooperative training program, prepare students to enter the professional world.

University Core Curriculum

The core provides courses in the sciences and the humanities that are necessary prerequisites for an educated person. The architect, faced continually with broad social issues, must have an awareness of the manifest activities of people in order to fulfill social and ethical responsibilities as a design professional.

Graduate Concentration

Candidates for the Master of Architecture degree, as part of the application process, declare an area of concentration and create a curriculum by incorporating existing graduate level courses from the colleges of the University as concentration electives. The purpose of these concentration electives is to provide the opportunity for developing specialized knowledge in the student’s special interest area. Concentrations are also intended to build upon the strengths of the University by establishing strong cross-disciplinary ties with other academic units. The concentration will form the focus of the student’s graduate study and can be the basis for the Master’s Studio design project. Some examples of concentrations are: architecture, health care design, community development, business administration, structural design, marketing, imaging and representation, and urban studies. In some cases, graduate level courses taken in the fifth year of the Master of Architecture program may in part satisfy requirements leading to a second Master degree in Business Administration, Construction Management, Security Administration, Community Development or Civil Engineering. The student must consult the individual schools for determining all degree requirements and admission standards that may apply to any secondary their degree program in which they might be interested.

Cooperative Education

The required Cooperative Education sequence is one of the unique aspects of the UDM architecture program.

It gives students direct experience in the real world of architecture through required work experiences at architectural offices of the student’s choosing. Co-op students are paid competitive wages according to their skills and experience. They may co-op anywhere in the world.

The co-op experience begins with the course CEC 300, Cooperative Education Preparation. The program in architecture integrates two required terms of on-the-job educational experience, which occur during the third term of the third year (Arc 391) and the second term of the fourth year (Arc 392). Further optional co-op terms are also possible. This sequence provides students with the opportunity to alternate their intellectual development in professional offices with academic studies. Co-op is valuable in developing practical skills prior to graduation and in being exposed to the profession of architecture and the realities of architectural practice. Each co-op term, students are required to keep a journal and write a report on their work experience, and submit representative samples of the work they produced. Co-op students are also required to participate in community service during this time. A series of questions are also given to the students to stimulate reflection on the profession and their position within it. Students are evaluated by both the employer and the cooperative education coordinator. Master of Architecture students are required to take the following: CEC 300, Cooperative Education Preparation, ARC 391, Co-op Assignment I, and ARC 392, Co-op Assignment II. Only CEC 300 and ARC 391 are required for those students receiving the non professional Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree.

Program

The total credits required for the Master of Architecture are 173 and 137 for the Bachelor of Science in Architecture. An excess of credits from several courses cannot be applied toward satisfaction of a course requirement. Excess co-operative education credits may not substitute as electives.

Elective courses are intended to provide students with the opportunity to take special interest courses which may be of value but are not necessarily related to the architectural program. Electives must be at least 3 credits in value and may be chosen from among any courses (100 level or higher) offered as credit at the University.

Architectural Electives Each term a limited number of architectural undergraduate electives and graduate concentrations are offered to students in a couple of the following areas: visual communication, building technology, practice, sustainable building, advanced computer graphics, graphic design, history and theory or urban planning as options for satisfying their elective requirements. These courses permit students to examine architectural topics of special interest in greater depth.

Digital Media Studies

Program DescriptionNew Media has a deep impact on our culture. The most successful citizens in a digitally based society will need to have advanced critical skills and creative problem solving abilities that permit them to sift through an overwhelming flow of information. Digital Media Studies (DMS) responds to this need with a unique, interdisciplinary degree program that stresses critical thinking about our digital culture. DMS is designed for students who want to combine creativity, critical thinking, and technical expertise. Students who major in the program take a core of Information Technologies (IT) related courses (12 credits), a concentration in the Liberal Arts (12 credits), Theory and Criticism courses (12) and select from tracks in design and/or programming (12 credits). All DMS majors share their specialized knowledge in the DMS Design Studio, where they undertake real-world, digital projects (12 credits). Majors must complete a Digital Media Portfolio (3 credits) in their final term to be eligible for graduation. All students are encouraged to engage in co-op and/or internship opportunities. The curriculum prepares students for careers in advertising, marketing, web authoring, media production, and journalism, among others; it also prepares them to be leaders in their fields and in their communities.

DMS Program Mission

Digital Media Studies at the University of Detroit Mercy within the School of Architecture provides an interdisciplinary base within a structure of the design studio. The project-based course of study stresses a balance of digital media production with studio critique and contemporary critical theory.

Majors must select FIVE courses in Design and/or Programming from the list below, with at least two at the 300 or 400 level. The list is not comprehensive, and students may consult the program director for course alternatives.

Majors must select FOUR courses in criticism and/or theory from the list below, with at least TWO at the 300/400 level. The list is not comprehensive, and students may consult the program director for course alternatives.

This Elective is restricted to a choice of either AR 371: Graphic Design 1, or CST 210: Video Production

Master of Community Development

DescriptionThe University of Detroit Mercy’s graduate program in Community Development takes a unique approach to the theory and practice of building sustainable communities. Housed in the School of Architecture, the MCD offers concentration course work through all Colleges and Schools within UDM. The MCD Program integrates human, economic, physical and organizational aspects of community development so that a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach to the renewal of communities can be undertaken. Inherent in the MCD program is a focus on providing service and leadership in marginalized communities whether urban, suburban, or rural. Serving these marginalized communities is the essence of the values and foundation of the Jesuit and Mercy sponsors of the University. Graduates of the MCD program will become leaders in the field of Community Development and will be recognized as experts in sustainable community development in the public, private, corporate, not-for-profit and institutional sectors.

Service, social justice, and sustainability comprise a three-part philosophical and ethical foundation of the MCD program. Each of these concepts are unique, yet inter-related, and together provide the ideological base that fosters the development of leaders in community development who: possess a value system that recognizes and promotes the growth of all individuals, are holistic in their approach to community development, and are motivated by a constant need to enhance and achieve communities that are self-sustaining and just. The Master of Community Development is a 36-credit-hour program. Full-time and part-time students are welcome to apply. Part-time students can expect to graduate after two to three years. Concentration electives offered in UDM Schools and Colleges provide an opportunity for students to attend full time.

Admission RequirementsApplicants applying to the Master of Community Development program should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in a bachelor’s or master’s degree program from an accredited institution. To be considered for admission, a candidate must complete the graduate application for evaluation by MCD faculty. The application consists of submitting: transcripts from an accredited institution in a bachelor's or master's program; a letter of interest which includes ranking order of interest in MCD concentrations; a current resume, illustrating excellence and accomplishment in academic, extra curricular, service and/or professional endeavors; and two letters of recommendation from employers and/or faculty. Additionally, an interview, facilitated by two MCD faculty/administration members, is also required to determine the applicant’s contribution to a unique learning environment. An essay exam may also be required to determine English language and writing skills. Standardized test, such as, GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, etc. are not required.

Degree Requirements The program requires 36 credits of study. The MCD curriculum has four elements: an intensive introduction course, a core curriculum, a program of concentrations and a capstone course. "Introduction to Community Development" provides an overview of the four concentrations, while the remaining core curriculum explores more complex issues in contemporary community development, including diversity, social justice, and regional issues and trends. Following the core curriculum, students are to select from one of the four areas of concentration (Economic, Human, Physical, and Organizational Development). In each area of concentration, students choose elective courses for a total of twelve credit hours. Following this in-depth exploration of one of the areas of concentration, students work together in teams on a comprehensive capstone project.

INTRODUCTION (2 cr.)

MCD 501 Introduction to Community Development 2 cr.

CORE CURRICULUM (18 cr.):

MCD 502 Introduction to Economic Development 3 cr.

MCD 504 Introduction to Human Development 3 cr.

MCD 506 Introduction to Physical Development 3 cr.

MCD 508 Introduction to Organizational Development 3 cr.

MCD 510 Diversity & Multiculturalism in Community Development 2 cr

MCD 512 Environmental, Social and Economic Justice 2 cr.

MCD 514 Regional Development + Sustainability 2 cr.

CONCENTRATIONS (12 cr.):

Economic Development: This area of study emphasizes the complex role of economic factors in community development. Students study an array of issues including job creation, business development and entrepreneurship and their impact on communities. Students may select from a number of approved elective courses in the departments or schools of Economics, Business, and Religious Studies.

Human Development: This area of study emphasizes the relationship between people and their social and physical environment. Students study human interactions by people of all ages that take place in community settings such as the home, the school and the neighborhood. Community needs assessment and social service requirements are part of this concentration. Students may select from a number of approved elective courses in the department or schools of Counseling, Education, Health Professions, Psychology, and Religious Studies.

Organizational Development: This area of study emphasizes how communities can organize to address their human, economic and physical conditions. Students study organizational funding and financing, transformational leadership, organizing volunteer services and working with governmental agencies to create community change. Students may select from a number of approved elective courses in the departments or schools of Business and Psychology.

Physical Development: This area of study emphasizes the man-made environment and its role in the creation of sustainable communities. Students study planning and design issues, ecological criteria of design, real estate development and the physical elements that help create a sense of place and identity in the community. Students may select from a number of approved elective courses in the departments or schools of Architecture and Security Administration.

CAPSTONE PROJECT (4 cr.):

MCD 590 Capstone Preparation 1 cr.

MCD 595 Capstone Project 3 cr.

Laboratory Facilities

Located in the Warren Loranger Architecture Building, the Ronald F. Titus Digital Studio is a fully equipped architecture computer graphics laboratory that introduces students to this important form of electronic technology. Software includes AutoCAD, Animator Pro, and 3D Studio, Revit, as well as, a variety of other programs which are used to support architectural as well as other academic courses. Students can access spreadsheet, database and word processing software, in addition to their University e-mail accounts and the Internet, by linking into the University network. This laboratory is adjacent to design studios to facilitate the use of computers as a design tool.

A woodworking model shop containing power and hand tools is accessible for student work in conjunction with their design and visual communication studio classes.

Detroit Collaborative Design Center

The national and international award winning Detroit Collaborative Design Center provides technical design and planning assistance to non-profit community organizations. It is the primary applied research arm of the School of Architecture in the area of urban revitalization. It has a full time staff of licensed architects, intern architects and planners.

The Center provides experiences to the students in three ways: in a classroom environment, through the Neighborhood Design Studio; for cooperative education experience; and as an outlet for volunteer activities.

International Study Programs

Warsaw Exchange Since 1980 the School of Architecture has conducted an exchange program with the Warsaw University of Technology in Poland. Ten students and one professor from each institution are exchanged for a full academic term. UDM students are taught by Politechnika faculty in English.

Volterra Study Abroad Program Since 1984 the School of Architecture has conducted a study abroad program in Italy during the summer/term III. The program is based in the Tuscan hill town of Volterra and is limited to 15 third and fourth year students. It is taught by UDM faculty in addition to faculty on site. Approximately seven weeks of the term is spent in Volterra. They then return to UDM to complete their work in the final seven weeks of Term III.

Lecture Series

There is a sponsored lecture series which brings leading edge architects and designers to the campus. These lectures are open to and attended by students, professionals and the general public.

Dichotomy Student Journal

Architectural students periodically publish a journal of theory and criticism entitled Dichotomy. This journal is organized exclusively by the students in consultation with a faculty advisor. It is funded by subscriptions and a special fee charged to architecture students each term that they are enrolled.

Special Policies for the School of Architecture

Studio placement for Transfer students For transfer students from other architecture programs, the following will apply in placing them in the appropriate design studio level. If the transcript and portfolio of work clearly indicates that the requirements of the foundation studios (AR 110, 120 130 & 140) have been met, then the student will be placed in the AR 210: Design V level and a final determination of design level will be made in consultation with the studio instructor at the completion of the term. If this is not the case, then students will be placed in Ar 110: Design I, or whatever foundation level studio the associate dean feels is appropriate based on the transcript and portfolio, and will be required to complete the foundation sequence (Ar 110- through Ar 140) before proceeding to the vertical studio sequence (Ar 210 through Ar410).

Retention of Student Work The School reserves the right to retain and eventually dispose of any student work, done in conjunction with class assignments, for purposes of exhibition and accreditation needs. Students should document their work prior to its submission to the instructor.

Grading System The School of Architecture reserves the right to require a student to withdraw from its program even when the student has an overall quality point average of 2.00 or better if, in their judgment, the student does not possess the requisite skills and attitudes to succeed in the architectural profession.

Appeals Students have the right to appeal actions with which they disagree. Two steps are followed. First, the student confers with the instructor involved. If this does not resolve the situation then the second step is the final appeal to the dean of the School of Architecture. It must be emphasized that the faculty member has full jurisdiction in terms of grading. The dean is acting strictly in an advisory capacity and can recommend to the instructor that the grade in question be raised or lowered based on the evidence presented.

Students may also appeal actions of the Council of Advisors such as probation and dismissal. Appeals should be in written form to the chair of the Associate Dean who will then put the appeal on the next available agenda. The student is encouraged to be at the meeting when their appeal is being heard and make a verbal presentation of their case at that time.

The student has a final appeal to the dean of the School of Architecture.

Summer Design Each year during term III, an undergraduate design studio is offered for those students who are out of phase.

It is a multi-level studio and may be taken by any student who has completed second year studios and the technical courses in advance of his or her design level. This studio is not open to first or second year design students.

Laptop Computer Requirement

The School of Architecture mandates that all new students entering the programs of architecture and digital media studies own a laptop of minimum required specifications and specific software. These requirements may be found on the architecture website. The university has a program with a vendor to assist the student in purchasing the hardware and software if the student so desires. In addition the financial aid office can provide low interest loans to cover the cost of the lap top.